Question:
How do you wipe your butt after surgery?
Has anyone had any challenges wiping your backside after having a bowel movement after surgery. I'm concerned that after I have my Open RNy that I won't be able to wipe my self. Has anyone been able to rig anything up to help with this challenge days following surgery??? — radiolamb (posted on February 4, 2003)
February 4, 2003
Hiya! I suggest taking along a pair of long kitchen tongs and some
flushable wipes. While in the hospital, the nurses will help you (if you
want them to) but this way you can do it yourself. Good luck on your
journey!
— SuzAnne S.
February 4, 2003
hi there :) this too conerned me preop but post op it wasnt a problem and
it went very well. i had a buddy that had wls and she warned me that it may
be a challenge and she told me she bought a new toilet plunger and would
wrap the end in wet wipes. i think the previous poster had an excellent
idea as well. best of luck to you ! :)
— carrie M.
February 4, 2003
The old wooden spoon. I wrapped baby wipes and/or toilet paper around
the spoon end of a wooden spoon for that "extra reach" after my
open RNY 5 weeks ago. Semi-gross, but it worked!
— kelly D.
February 4, 2003
Ditto on the wooden spoons. Nice and cheap (probably have them at the
dollar store) so that you can have plenty on hand and toss out after a bit.
— Tamara C.
February 4, 2003
I know this sounds gross, but an old toothbrush wet works well. You can
even wrap a wipe around the end. There is also a portable bidet at qlav.com
that looks interesting, but a little pricey.
— gvlgal
February 4, 2003
I ordered myself the bottom buddy, I just got it and am going to try it
out. I read about here. http://www.dynamic-living.com/bottom_buddy.htm
— Bethy413
February 4, 2003
A hand held shower massage is very useful when you can't reach to wipe
yourself. Just shower yourself off, and sit on a big towel, or put it
between your legs and pull back and forth. I don't know what I'd do
without my shower massage since I have such short arms, and so much fat
around my abdomen.
— Carol R.
February 4, 2003
I had read about the wooden spoon but forgot it in the hosptial. Standing
up, I hicked one foot on the toilet seat - seemed to give me the reach I
needed. I had open RNY so I had a large incision in front. This worked
great for me till I could bend again. Good luck!
— Karen D.
February 4, 2003
In the hospital, you ask the nurses, don't uses tongs like alot of people
on her advocate...Be an adult, as for help. IT IS THE JOB OF THE NURSING
STAFF TO HELP YOU! THAT IS WHAT THEY GET PAID TO DO...Ok, sermon over,
when you get home, ask your spouse. Remember, till death do you part, for
better or worse, in sickness and in health, get it? Heather (Open RNY
8/15/02 - 305/214/150)
— heathercross
February 4, 2003
As a registered nurse, I take offense when people ask nurses to do minor
things just because they get PAID TO DO IT!. mY JOB AS AN R.N. IS TO HELP
YOU GET BACK ON YOUR FEET AND FEEL BETTER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. In todays
hospitals,you are lucky to even have a nurse, much less one that will wipe
your butt (if there is any way you can do it) while your buddy down the
hall is dying or needs pain meds. Lets just say butt wiping is low
priority. But we are glad to help if truly needed to wipe butts. Nurses
are overworked and underpaid . FUNNY STORY, I had a little 80 year old lady
that was not very sick at all to call for the bedpan one day and I put her
on it. Then she lifted her leg like a dog and told me to wipe her butt
because that is "what I get paid to do" I said, no, no, no, and
handed her the tissue! This lady had even brought her own sheets to the
hospital. Sorry to rant. Raw nerve struck here!
— Delores S.
February 4, 2003
Delores, i take offense to that...When I say nursing staff, I don't
necessarily mean the RN! I mean nursing staff. Their are alot of others on
the staff that ARE NOT RNs'...they can help you...all I am saying is ASK
FOR HELP IF YOU CAN'T DO IT! I don't know what hospitals you all are going
to, but, if there is only 1 nurse and that nurse is "svaing peoples
lives" then I would run so far the other way and not be in theat
hopsital. DOn't risk hurting yourself or looking and feeling foolish by
using TONGS!
— heathercross
February 4, 2003
Delores - Personal hygiene is not a "minor thing" to most people.
Especially when you've just had major surgery and are feeling pretty lousy
already, good hygiene can be a "minor thing" that makes a world
of difference. Nurses used to do a little bit of everything for their
patients. Not so anymore. Many have the attitude that certain tasks are
beneath them. Most however, are compassionate people who would even take
the time to wipe the bum of a pushy old lady.
— Anna L.
February 4, 2003
Heather, Delores is right. In some localities, nurses are in very short
supply, that's why places are offering big sign on bonuses. Personally, I
would have been mortified to ask for help with wiping myself, and I managed
to do it just fine in the hospital. Believe me, there are plenty of nurses
who would love to be able to give a patient a bath and spend time holding
their hands and talking, but not these days. Keep in mind that in some
hospitals, people taking care of patients all wear scrubs, so you can't
necessarily tell who is a nurse and who is just by looking. I think the
suggestions here are good. I doubt anyone will do themselves any real harm
using tongs or a spoon to get the job done. That may be the only option for
someone who has had surgery and is alone at home post op.
— koogy
February 4, 2003
Joel do what Karen suggested, it worked for me. I also keep baby butt wipes
nearby, now that I can make that reach for that nice and clean feeling.
Another idea for good cleaning is to replace your shower head with one of
those types that has a long hose with a shower head attachment that sits in
a holder to use as a regular shower head or you can unhook it and move it
around to where ever you want it, catch my drift. Any how it works great at
my house.
— Ken H.
February 4, 2003
I used a whole damp towel, sumo-wrestler style. Less mortifying and quicker
than asking for help. Hospitals have an endless supply of towels it seems
to me.
— Cara F.
February 5, 2003
I am an RN and have been in the nursing profession since 1965. I don't mind
wiping butts if it is needed. I have cleaned many bottoms in the years I've
been a nurse. That is part of my job as a nurse but I resent being
told,that's what I get paid to do. That is "NOT" what I get paid
to do! I can tell you first hand that being a nurse is not an easy job.
More often than not it's long hours on your feet. Usually so short handed
there is no way you can do the things for your patients you need and would
love to do. If you have never worked in nursing you can't imagine what it's
like. Why do you think there is such a shortage of nurses??? It's a darn
hard job usually with horrible hours, bad pay, and underappreciation. I'm
sorry if I upset people. Like I said, I don't mind helping someone with
their needs when it is needed but if a person can do it for themselves
(even if that person has to use some kind of device) they should do it for
themselves.
— Polly G.
February 5, 2003
I spent my entire second day post op waiting for the nurse's aid to help me
with my first post op shower--never happened. I had taken tongs to the
hospital with me and I am very glad that I did. I just wrapped a wet
washcloth around the end and it extended my reach. I used the tongs for
about a week at home and then didn't need them again. I am all for being
independent. I don't have an opinion whether a wooden spoon, tongs, or sumo
towel works better. I do recommend going to the hospital prepared to be as
independent as possible. Once you are post op, you will find there are
areas that you need help (needing a "spotter" in the shower in
case you pass out, for instance). But I would definitely plan to be
independent with wiping. Yes, there are nurses/nursing staff available, but
why do you HAVE to use them just because they are there? Let's take care of
ourselves as much as possible. BTW- I am an RN and would not have a problem
helping someone that truly needs help. However, "using" the
nurses when you CAN do things for yourself isn't right. I'm not sure what
potential injury there is when using wooden spoons or tongs covered with
tissue, wipes or washcloths. You don't use the exposed wood or metal. I
commend you, Joel, for planning ahead and not having the "that's their
job" attitude. As a nurse, I enjoy those patients that are considerate
of me. Having a kind and appreciative approach will get you help much
faster when you TRULY need it. Shelley
— Shelley.
February 5, 2003
As a retired RN - who retired due to over-whelming stress on the job I'd
like to put my two cents in. First, Hospitals are for sick people who are
in need of care - but they will go home and may not have the extra care
there. We all need to be as independant as possible and be our own advocate
for our needs - if you trully need help- then ask for it. But remember that
it may not come as fast as you need it. We also are giving out meds, (esp.
pain meds), changing dressings, helping people get up and walk, teaching
you to cough often,teaching you to care for yourself when you get home etc.
People who aren't medical professionals don't know every detail we have to
do in a 8 hour day - charting, putting up with the Drs and their egos,
talking to your family members, observing for complications and keeping the
other staff aware of your needs. Yes we get paid for everything we do and
that includes wiping your butt - IF WE HAVE TIME. But I bet you'd rather
have us give you a pain shot instead. It all boils down to be prepared to
do for yourself - take a spoon, tongs etc. with you and then be plesantly
surprised if we can give you that extra few seconds to help you. I can wait
to be in that spot soon - FORTUNATELY i HAVE THIS SITE - I've learned alot
from those that have gone before me- Thanks. Pity the ones who don't know
all these tricks we've learned. God bless you all.
— Sally P.
February 5, 2003
I had open RNY just over a week ago, and I used tongs and Cottonelle
Flushable Wipes. I got a small black bag (the kind that you put toiletries
in when you travel) from Wal-Mart and kept the tongs and wipes in it. I
left perched it on the edge of the sink and no one knew what was in it! The
nice thing about flushable wipes is that you don't have to worry about
cleaning anything up after you are done and the tongs are easy to store out
of sight. Best wishes on your upcoming surgery!
— Lydia S.
February 5, 2003
I'm pre op, and maybe I have no business saying anything because I've not
"been there, done that", but well, I can't keep my mouth shut,
sooo....I CANNOT imagine asking the nurse or anyone else(even my hubby) for
that matter, to wipe my butt. This is something that I have thought about
alot, and believe me, I would much rather use some sort of "tool"
to wipe MYSELF, than to ask someone to do it for me!! JMO
— Cat S.
February 5, 2003
I am having surgery in 5 days...and after seeing questions like this I have
taken notice of exactly how much I have to stretch to reach. But just in
case I'm taking the Cottonelle suggestion.
Anyway...My mom is an RN and I think people need to know the difference
between, RN, LPN, and Aids. For instance usually RN's are the only ones
who can give you pain meds or at least ones through your IV. LPN's can do
almost everything RN's do expect the IV stuff. Aids generally do patient
care such as check your vitals, help you bath, get you water. In some
hospitals they all work as teams on a group of patients. Everyone should
be aware of who is coming in to take care of you...it will get you nowhere
to yell at an aid that you need your pain meds...they can pass the word
along, but cannot give you anything.
— Sarahlicious
February 5, 2003
Sarah, THANK YOU, that is what I was trying to say...I never would have
dreamed to ask the RN on duty @ Lenox Hill to do this for me. However,
during the day, my hubby and sister helped me and at night, when as luck
would have it I would have a bowel movement, I asked THE NURSE'S AIDE,,,not
the RN! Thanks again for clarifying what I was trying to say without
knowing the medical designations. P.S. My sister is an RN, maybe thats why
she didn't mind...plus, I know nurses have hard jobs...I see what she goes
through!
— heathercross
February 5, 2003
For those having surgery at a Bariatric Treatment Center- You will be
provided with some heavy duty tongs. They worked very well. The tongs
allows you to pinch the tissue so it stays in place as you wipe. I used
them in the hospital and at home for about a week. You will be just fine.
It is amazing how quickly this problem will pass.
— Donna L.
February 5, 2003
Hi,
By the time I had my first BM, I was perfectly able to clean myself
normally. I did not have my first BM until 5 days after surgery (open
RNY), even though I ate normally until the night before surgery and did no
colon cleansing. I think I could have done it sooner, too-- the surgery
simply wasn't that painful after the first few hours.
— Beth S.
February 6, 2003
First and foremost, Joel, good luck with your surgery, I hope you have a
safe, speedy recovery!
Secondly, I'm only a week post-op. I too had problems being able to clean
myself after a bowel movement at the hospital. I had 53 staples from
sternum to belly button and 2 drains. The first movement I had my mother
was at the hospital, THANK GOD! She helped me wipe.
The next day my mother had already left for the day and it was late at
night. I couldn't hold it until she came again, so I had to call an aid
for help. I remember her coming to the door and she said need some help?
I looked at her as embarrassed to say it as she was going to be to hear it.
I said "I'm sorry but I can't reach to wipe" and she looked at
me raising one eyebrow and said "wipe what?"
I said "my butt". She just turned around and said, "let me
get some gloves". She did it, walked me to bed, tucked me back in and
we never mentioned it again.
The next time I tried everything I could to get the job done myself, and I
did it! Now even with the staples and one drain still in, I can get the
job done myself.
If you need help, just ask. If they can't do it, i'm sure they'll give you
some advice on how you can do it yourself. Good Luck with the surgery!!
— Darlene M.
February 6, 2003
Joel, good luck on your upcoming surgery. I've read the previous posts and
WHEW! Who knew a question on wiping could be so controversial! Anyway, I
did ask for help from the nursing staff who used gloves and my husband once
I got home. The first time I asked, I was mortified, but truly could not
have done it myself. I was happy to take care of things once I felt a
little better.
— Yolanda J.
February 6, 2003
MY BROTHER ORDERED THE BOTTOM BUDDY FROM DYNAMIC LIVINGS WEBSITE(THE EXACT
SITES ADDRESS IS GIVEN BY A DIFFERENT PERSON ABOVE). THIS IS A LIFE SAVER.
OH MY GOD, EVEN THE RN ON DUTY SAID THE SURGEONS OFFICE SHOULD SUPPLY ALL
THEIR PATIENTS WITH THIS. I THINK IT WAS AROUND $30.00 BUT WELL WORTH IT.
YOU PUSH A BUTTON AND THIS SMALL RUBBER HEAD OPENS UP AND GRABS THE TOILET
PAPER OR WET WIPE AND HOLDS ON TO IT. YOU WIPE, THEN PUSH THE BUTTON AGAIN
AND IT RELEASES IT INTO THE TOILET OR TRASH. IT IS ON A LONG ARM. IT IS
GREAT.
— christina K.
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